Dear A

Jun 1, 2026 | 2026 Summer - Dear ___, Poetry

By Maxine Bette

I kissed you when you asked me to that summer on the farm.
You said you wanted to practice for boys
You said you were an asshole magnet, grinned like you couldn’t help it
Ewes in the pasture memorized your face

You said you wanted to practice for boys
It was the summer boys yanked our towels off as we left the showers
Ewes in the pasture memorized your face
Garter snakes molted along creek banks

It was the summer boys yanked our towels off as we left the showers
Once alone we descended onto the bed, tongues intertwined, wet thighs
Garter snakes molted along creek banks
You said it was good and told me to kiss you again and again

Once alone we descended onto the bed, tongues intertwined, wet thighs
Once grown you married a narcissist and raised a bigot
You said it was good and told me to kiss you again and again
Now I wonder if you think of us when lightning bugs tickle your thighs

Once grown you married a narcissist and raised a bigot
What did you do with the tenderness we had?
I wonder if you think of us when lightning bugs tickle your thighs
I kissed you when you asked me to that summer on the farm.

Maxine Bette is a poet living in the U.S. Midwest.

 

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